Firefighters continue making steady progress on the Pocket Fire burning north of Sedona, with containment increasing to 48% while the fire remains 26,442 acres.
The wildfire, which started on June 19, is burning approximately 7 miles north of Sedona in timber and brush fuels. A total of 1,238 personnel are assigned to the incident.
Fire Operations
On Sunday, crews continued strengthening and monitoring containment lines on the northwest side of the fire. In West Fork Canyon, helicopters conducted water drops to support firefighters working to keep the fire within its current footprint.
Along the southern edge, firefighters continued constructing handline directly along the fire where conditions allowed. Crews are also closely monitoring Maroon Mountain to ensure the fire does not establish itself below the mountain’s face.
Aircraft continue making retardant drops in Secret Canyon and on Secret Mountain, allowing ground crews to build and strengthen containment lines while working directly along the fire’s edge.
Today, helicopters and ground crews will remain focused on slowing the fire’s progression through West Fork Canyon. Additional retardant drops and direct suppression efforts are planned along the southern flank to prevent the fire from backing into Bear Sign Canyon and spreading across Secret Mountain.
As a precaution, firefighters continue extending contingency fire lines near powerline corridors southwest of the fire while identifying additional natural barriers and road systems that could be used if fire activity increases.
Resources are also continuing structure protection work in the Seven Canyons and Enchantment communities, reinforcing defensible space around homes. Initial attack crews remain available to respond to any new wildfire starts across the region.
Elsewhere, crews continue removing hazardous trees along the State Route 89A corridor in coordination with the Arizona Department of Transportation and repairing roads along the fire’s northern perimeter.
Evacuations and Closures
The Seven Canyons and Enchantment area remains under SET evacuation status as designated by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across the Coconino National Forest, and portions of the forest remain closed. Sections of State Route 89A and Woody Mountain Road (Forest Road 231) also remain closed. Residents of Oak Creek Canyon must continue accessing the canyon from the south.
Weather
Today’s forecast calls for hotter and drier conditions, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees in the lower elevations and reach the 80s in higher terrain. Southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph are expected, while relative humidity could drop as low as 10 percent in lower elevations.
Air Quality
Smoke conditions continue to fluctuate significantly, with air quality ranging anywhere from Good to Very Unhealthy depending on wind patterns. Residents should continue monitoring local air quality conditions, especially those with respiratory conditions.
Flagscanner will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available.
